Although Trotz had many successes, one of the bleak spots on his résumé was an inability to turn draft picks into successful scorers as Predators. David Legwand's 63 points in 2006-07 remains the highest total for a Nashville-drafted forward.

Laviolette arrives with a long list of offensive players who have blossomed under him. In Carolina, Eric Staal turned into a 40-goal scorer and 100-point player. In Philadelphia, Claude Giroux became an NHL All-Star. There were others as well.

"I've heard a lot of good things about him and talked to a couple of guys that he has coached before. They told me good things too, so I'm looking forward to working with him this season," said 19-year-old forward Filip Forsberg, who is participating in Predators development camp this week at Bridgestone Arena.

"I'm just trying to play the type of game I've always been playing and have been pretty successful with so far. Hopefully that's a game he likes and wants to have on his team in the future."

Forsberg is one player the Predators desperately hope will embrace Laviolette's philosophies and leadership. Acquired in a 2013 trade with Washington, the 2012 first-round pick had just one goal in 13 games with Nashville last season.

Players listen to a coach's instructions during Predators development camp at Bridgestone Arena on July 9, 2014. (Photo: Larry McCormack / THE TENNESSEAN)

Predators coach Peter Laviolette watches from the stands as players go through the paces during Predators development camp at Bridgestone Arena on July 9, 2014. (Photo: Larry McCormack / THE TENNESSEAN)

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There are other forwards Laviolette potentially can mold into offensive forces as well. Here's a closer look at three in particular:

KEVIN FIALA

My take: Fiala, the 11th overall pick of this year's draft, ultimately will be Laviolette's first real project with the Predators. And it's the first NHL system the 18-year-old forward will learn. Although Fiala is listed as only <JU>5-foot-11, he is stout, strong and looks close to physically ready for the NHL. He's a good skater, which should work perfect in Laviolette's uptempo, offensive-minded system.

Said Fiala: "I'm an offensive player. I have good hands. I'm a good skater, and I can score goals. I'm a good playmaker, and I will do everything for the team to win the Stanley Cup."

PONTUS ABERG

My take: When the Predators took Aberg 37th overall in the 2012 draft, they did so hoping he would be a scorer. But he has put up only decent numbers in the Swedish Hockey League, including 15 goals in 52 games with Farjestad last season. Maybe a move to the smaller North American rinks is what the 20-year-old Aberg needs to showcase his shot, which he supposedly can get off quickly in close quarters.

Said Aberg: "I like to shoot the puck. With a smaller rink, you can shoot it from anywhere. Hopefully the North American rinks suit me. … I'm a pretty offensive player, and I like to score points for the team."

BRENDAN LEIPSIC

My take: Leipsic was an offensive dynamo in junior the past two years, garnering 231 points in 128 games with the Western Hockey League's Portland Winterhawks. But his 5-foot-10 frame seems somewhat limiting at the professional level. Sometimes with players it's about finding the right type of role, and Laviolette has been good in the past at putting players in the right spot. This will have to be true with the 20-year-old Leipsic.

Said Leipsic: "My speed and my playmaking ability and scoring ability are my best attributes. Off the rush I can make plays one-on-one, or three-on-three. I feel like I can make space for my teammates and slow the game down."

Reach Josh Cooper at 615-726-8917 and on Twitter @JoshuaCooper.

At Predators development camp on Wednesday, Brendan Leipsic and Filip Forsberg talk about what coach Peter Laviolette brings to the organization.
Josh Cooper / The Tennessean